A philosopher questioned in the Fondren Science building March 1 if American employees view their bosses as dictators.

Elizabeth Anderson believes employees do.

“1 in 4 American workers say their workplace is a dictatorship,” Anderson said.

Anderson argued that bosses are the root problem as to why employees feel like their workplace is a totalitarian environment. She referred to the bosses as dictators and the employees are the people being governed.

“They rule by decree, not by law,” she said.

Anderson understands that bosses have authority over their employees, but only to a certain degree. She says that the bosses in today’s time have overstepped their boundaries.

“Did you know that bosses have the power to force employees into a wellness plan?” she asked.

For some people in the crowd, these facts were unfamiliar. Anderson’s speech resonated with students like Federico Pier.

“I was not expecting to be so moved by this talk,” Pier said. “I think she has opened the eyes of many people that were in the audience tonight.”

For others, Anderson’s speech echoed their experiences. Kirstin Egerstrom says she experienced mistreatment first hand.

“I couldn’t help but think back to my days as a server and the abuse that I took as a server,” Egerstrom said.

Anderson knows there are many revisions that must take place in order for employees to gain a voice. However, she remains optimistic.

“It’s time for Americans to start enjoying some of their rights and dignity,” Anderson concluded.

SMU’s philosophy department will hold its next guest speaker, Jennifer Matey, March 25 in the Fondren Science Building.